Athletic Club Vs Roma

After falling behind in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash, Athletic Bilbao now face a pivotal challenge in their bid to stay in the competition. The Spanish club, eager to overturn their one-goal deficit, will host Roma at the iconic San Mames stadium on Thursday, hoping to seize the opportunity not only to advance but to keep their dreams of European glory alive.

With the final of this prestigious tournament set to take place at their home ground, Athletic are particularly motivated to stage a comeback against their Italian rivals. A victory would edge them closer to securing a spot in the quarter-finals and, ultimately, to fulfilling the dream of lifting a European trophy in front of their passionate supporters in May.

Athletic's first-leg encounter in Rome initially seemed to be going in their favor when their star forward, Inaki Williams, found the back of the net with a well-timed header from close range. His goal gave the Basque outfit an early lead at Stadio Olimpico, raising hopes of securing a positive result on Italian soil. However, their advantage was short-lived, as Roma responded almost immediately through Angelino, whose powerful strike restored parity for the hosts.

The momentum soon shifted further in Roma’s favor when Athletic’s defender Yeray Alvarez was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card. Reduced to ten men, the visitors struggled to contain Roma's attacking pressure. Their resistance ultimately crumbled in the dying moments of the match, as Eldor Shomurodov netted a dramatic last-minute goal to hand Roma a 2-1 victory, leaving Athletic with an uphill task in the return leg.

Following that disappointment in Rome, Athletic’s frustrations were compounded by their performance in La Liga over the weekend. Facing Mallorca at home, they could only muster a 1-1 draw. The game unfolded in a balanced manner during the first half, but early in the second period, Athletic found themselves trailing. Nonetheless, their resilience shone through as Nico Williams quickly struck an equalizer, ensuring they salvaged a point. While not the result they desired, they still maintain a strong position in the domestic league standings.

Ernesto Valverde’s side remains on course for Champions League qualification, sitting comfortably in fourth place in La Liga. Their five-point cushion over Villarreal, despite having played an extra match, offers a buffer as they aim to secure a top-four finish. However, recent form has been less than ideal, with two defeats and a draw in their last three outings across all competitions.

Despite this minor slump, Athletic can take solace in their formidable home record. This season, they have established themselves as one of the toughest teams to beat at San Mames, boasting the third-best home record in La Liga. On average, they have accumulated just over two points per game on their own turf, a testament to their dominance in front of their fervent fan base.

Their performances in the Europa League have also been exemplary when playing in Bilbao. Having won all four of their home fixtures in the tournament so far, they have demonstrated their capability to rise to the occasion. Notably, Athletic have managed to score at least once in each of their last 17 matches in European competitions, highlighting their attacking consistency.

Another encouraging statistic for the Basque club is their impressive track record against Italian opposition. Across all European competitions, they have secured eight victories in ten home matches against teams from Serie A. This historical edge will provide them with confidence as they prepare to welcome Roma in a high-stakes showdown.

For Roma, the advantage gained in the first leg places them in a strong position heading into the return fixture. Eldor Shomurodov’s stoppage-time winner at the Stadio Olimpico not only secured victory but also etched Roma further into the record books. With 97 wins in 185 matches, the club now holds the record for the most victories in the long history of UEFA’s second-tier club competition.

The Italian side’s record in European knockout ties when leading after the first leg is another significant factor. Having advanced in each of their last nine such encounters dating back to 2019, history suggests that Roma have a firm grip on the tie. If they can maintain their advantage, they will book a spot in the quarter-finals, where a potential matchup against either Rangers or a Fenerbahce team managed by their former coach, Jose Mourinho, awaits.

Unlike Athletic, who progressed directly to the Round of 16, Roma had to navigate a tricky playoff against Porto. They emerged from that tie victorious, and in the subsequent draw, managed to avoid facing their city rivals, Lazio. Their journey through the competition has been marked by resilience and determination, attributes they will look to draw upon once more in Bilbao.

Under the experienced leadership of Claudio Ranieri, Roma have been in fine form domestically. Their unbeaten run in Serie A since the start of the year is a reflection of their consistency and growing confidence. That momentum continued on Sunday, as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Empoli, courtesy of Matias Soule’s early strike. That result extended their unbeaten streak to 12 league matches and marked their sixth consecutive win.

Ranieri’s return to the club in November has coincided with an upturn in fortunes. Since his arrival, Roma have been among the most successful teams in Italy, with only league leaders Inter Milan securing more victories across all competitions during that period. The team’s resurgence has put them on the fringes of the Serie A top-four race, further motivating them as they juggle their European ambitions with their domestic objectives.

For the 73-year-old Ranieri, guiding Roma to success in the Europa League would be a fitting way to crown his illustrious career. The prospect of leading his side to Bilbao in May for the final is undoubtedly an enticing one. With his wealth of experience and tactical nous, he will be keen to ensure his team maintains their advantage and completes the job in Spain.

As the decisive second leg approaches, both teams have plenty at stake. Athletic Bilbao will need to summon all their energy, tactical discipline, and attacking firepower to break down a well-organized Roma side. The San Mames crowd will play a crucial role, as their unwavering support has often inspired the team to memorable performances on European nights.

For Roma, the challenge will be to absorb pressure while exploiting opportunities on the counterattack. With a narrow lead to protect, they must balance their defensive solidity with the ability to strike when the chance arises. The presence of seasoned players and a manager with vast experience in handling such high-pressure situations will undoubtedly work in their favor.

Ultimately, the outcome of this tie will hinge on which side can execute their game plan more effectively on the night. Athletic Bilbao are determined to keep their Europa League journey alive and will throw everything they have into the contest. Meanwhile, Roma, with their rich history in European competitions, will look to capitalize on their first-leg advantage and take another step toward potential glory.

Whatever unfolds at San Mames, one thing is certain: this clash promises to deliver an enthralling spectacle, filled with drama, intensity, and the unyielding passion that defines European football at its finest.